Concert Review
Steve Forbert
189 Public House
East Aurora, NY
Wednesday September 14, 2016
Photo/Review: Joseph Suto
“Isn’t this the best time of year”? That was the question posed by singer-songwriter Steve Forbert as he addressed the full house inside 189 Public House Wednesday evening. Forbert was making a return appearance following his last show at the venue in May of last year.
The ninety-minute set opened with “It’s Been A Long Time” followed by “Autumn This Year”. For those scoring at home it was a one man show with just Forbert his guitar and harmonica collection.
Some of the highlights of the evening included “School Girl”, “The Oil Song” and “Jessica” which had the crowd clapping and singing along.
The one thing Forbert knows how to do is write meaningful songs based upon his experiences and feelings. He has done this since day one and continues to do so. One listen to his upcoming UK release Flying At Night will show everyone exactly what he is all about.
The succinct set wound down with the recognizable “What Kinda Guy” followed by the song that put him on the map, “Romeo’s Tune” albeit a stripped down version. It was relaxing to see Forbert perform sans band as he painted a beautiful musical landscape with his song selection. The only thing missing was the fantastic piano on “Romeo’s Tune”. Perhaps someday I will see Forbert perform with a full band so I can see the differences in the two type of performances. Either way the fans go home happy knowing they have just seen a worthy performer who still to this day is considered vastly underrated.
Set List
It’s Been A Long Time
Autumn This Year
Come With Me
Born Too Late
Drink Red Wine
School Girl
Oh Yesterday
Compromise
The American In Me
The Oil Song
That’d Be Alright
So Far Away
Tonight I Feel So Far Away From Home
You’d See The Things That I See
Complications
Thinkin’
Jessica
What Kinda Guy
Romeo’s Tune
